Information
Drivers, it's time for "Winter Weather – Get it Together"
Snow-and-ice safety campaign introducing public to "Orange Crush” and “Scoopy Do"
SPRINGFIELD – With the first snowflakes of the season falling in recent days, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and Illinois Tollway are reminding the driving public that now is the ideal time for “Winter Weather – Get it Together.”
“At IDOT, we spend the entire year getting ready for snow-and-ice season. Our top priority is making sure our roads are safe for the motoring public, but we do ask the motoring public to do its part as well and get prepared,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Make sure your vehicle is in a safe, operating condition. Winter weather can change quickly so be prepared to reduce speeds and increase driving distances at all times. And please share the roads with our snow-and-ice teams – don’t crowd the plow.”
Throughout the coming months of cold weather and adverse conditions, motorists should practice basic winter driving skills and build extra time into their schedules. As part of the “Winter Weather – Get it Together” campaign, travelers are encouraged to follow these simple guidelines:
• Bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com to check travel conditions 24/7. This year’s winter road conditions map will feature more local, more precise reporting information.
• Wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois. And it’s your best defense in a crash.
• Drop it and drive. Put down the mobile devices – it, too, is the law.
• Do not travel during bad weather unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to drive, check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your route. Familiarize yourself with public transportation options.
• Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking are required throughout the winter.
• Don’t crowd the plow. A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see
them, but they may not see you. Any plow that’s hit is one less resource available to clear the roads.
• Watch out for black ice. A road may appear clear but can be treacherous.
• Be especially careful when approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and shaded areas. All are prone to icing.
• Prepare an emergency kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable
food and a first-aid kit.
• Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of emergency.
• Give them distance. Obey the Move Over Law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching ANY stopped vehicle with flashing lights.
“Winter weather causes additional dangers to the men and women of the Illinois State Police on patrol to protect and serve all motorists,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “In snowy and icy conditions, please refrain from driving unless it is essential. If you must get on the road, remember to adjust your driving to the weather and road conditions. Winter road conditions are unpredictable and a crash could happen at any moment. The fewer drivers on the road, the fewer crashes and the safer everyone will be.
“If you approach an emergency vehicle with its lights activated or a disabled vehicle with flashing lights, please slow down and move over. Our goal is to ensure everyone makes it home safely.”
For the upcoming winter, IDOT will have almost 1,800 trucks available for deployment to plow nearly 16,000 miles of roads statewide, the equivalent of driving from New York to Los Angeles and back almost three times. Last year, IDOT spread more than 522,000 tons of salt statewide. This winter, salt domes throughout the state are close to capacity, with more than 445,000 tons on hand, almost twice the weight of the Willis Tower.
Two plows making their debut in the IDOT fleet this winter are Orange Crush and Scoopy Do – the winning entries from the inaugural “Name the Snowplow” contest held at the Illinois State Fair. The names were among 700 entries submitted by visitors to the IDOT tent, with the finalists chosen through a statewide employee contest. The plows will be used primarily in IDOT’s District 6, which encompasses Adams, Brown, Cass, Christian, Hancock, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler and Scott counties.
The Illinois Tollway mobilizes a fleet of 196 snowplows during winter storms and this year has stockpiled 88,000 tons of salt to keep its 294-mile system of five roadways clear and safe for its 1.6 million daily drivers. Information on tollway road conditions is available at www.illinoistollway.com.
“Our highest priority is safety and to protect our customers this winter we will rapidly deploy full crews during severe weather to keep our roads clear and our drivers safe,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez. “But we can’t do it alone. We are asking our customers to help us by slowing down and increasing the distance from other vehicles, particularly plows and other emergency vehicles so they have the room they need to safely do their work. Drivers whose cars become disabled should stay with their vehicles and dial *999 for assistance, rather than trying to go for help themselves.”
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today the continuation of the phased restoration of in-person workforce and limited unemployment services at American Job Centers on an appointment-only basis at additional offices throughout the state. Beginning Tuesday, September 7, in-person appointments will be available at the following locations as part of another step in the phased return to in-person services:
To schedule an appointment at any of these locations, individuals should call via the IDES Scheduling Hotline at 217.558.0401 and request a callback. Appointments must be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the appointment time. An appointment may be scheduled for one of the following reasons:
Masks or face coverings are required when entering an office. If a visitor has been experiencing any symptoms or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 within 14 days prior to their appointment, they will be required to reschedule the appointment.
IDES will continue to reopen additional offices on a phased basis and will announce the availability of phone appointments to further assist claimants.
Claimants are strongly encouraged to use the IDES website to apply and certify for benefits, enroll in direct deposit, change passwords, engage in work search, and connect with an employment services professional, among other services. Claimants can also continue to speak with an IDES expert over the phone, by requesting a callback at 800.244.5631. As a reminder, if a callback is received at an inconvenient time, claimants may reschedule the callback for a specific time with a call center agent.
In December 2021, Alexa S. won a $5 Uptown Cafe gift certificate as she had the closest guess with 287 candy canes in the container. There were 283 candy canes in the container. There were 64 guesses.
In November 2021, Danelle R. won a $5 Cerno’s gift certificate as she had the closest guess with 1327 cotton swabs in the container. There were 1484 cotton swabs in the container. There were 40 guesses.
In October 2021, Sarah M. won a $5 Uptown Café gift certificate as she had the closest guess with 1273 candy corn in the container. There were 1324 candy corns in the container. There were 49 guesses.
In September 2021, Alexa S. won $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks as she had the closest guess with 297 dominos in the container. There were 255 dominos in the container. There were 43 guesses.
In August 2021, Courtni S. won a $5 Simple Things gift certificate as she had the closest guess with 221 markers in the container. There were 219 markers in the container. There were 47 guesses.
We started the Guess How Many Game again in July 2021. Maddix C. won a $5 Jordan’s gift certificate as he had the closest guess with 1324 glass pebbles in the container. There were 1487 glass pebbles in the container. There were 57 guesses.
Weekly Prize for Checking Out Contest
We have a contest where we are randomly drawing two winners each week who checked out a book, DVD or magazine the week before to win a gift certificate. Please stop by to see us & if you check out an item you will be entered to win.
December 27th Luke S. $5 Uptown Cafe Gift Certificate
Stacy C. $5 Uptown Cafe Gift Certificate
December 20th Remington L. $5 Uptown Cafe Gift Certificate
Marilyn G. $5 Uptown Cafe Gift Certificate
December 13th Sarah M. $5 Uptown Cafe Gift Certificate
Jane M. $5 Uptown Cafe Gift Certificate
December 6th Mason W. $5 Uptown Café Gift Certificate
Sara W. $5 Cerno’s Gift Certificate
November 29th Holly H. $5 Cerno’s Gift Certificate
Robin D. $5 Cerno’s Gift Certificate
November 22nd Kerrilyn J. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Mike S. $5 Cerno’s Gift Certificate
November 15th Ruth C. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Carolyn B. $5 Uptown Café Gift Certificate
November 8th Hannah S. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Deanna B, $5 Uptown Café Gift Certificate
November 1st Harrison M. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Anne S. $5 Uptown Café Gift Certificate
October 25th Lexi N. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Samantha M. $5 Uptown Café Gift Certificate
October 18th Sophia R. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Lisa R. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
October 11th Della S. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Mandy S. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
October 4th Cynthia B. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Dixie M. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
September 27th Jade C. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Carolyn S. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
September 20th Esther S. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Amy H. $5 Christ Orchard Gift Certificate
September 13th Caleb N. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Michele E. $5 Christ Orchard Gift Certificate
September 6th Brooks C. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Jessica H. $5 Simple Things Gift Certificate
August 30th Maddox B. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Donna P. $5 Simple Things Gift Certificate
August 23rd Sheridan R. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Joyce M. $5 Simple Things Gift Certificate
August 16th Melody G. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Courtni S. $5 Simple Things Gift Certificate
August 9th Nora S. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Sara M. $5 Simple Thigs Gift Certificate
August 2nd Brody W. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Val B. $5 Simple Things Gift Certificate
July 26th Kiera W. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
William M. $5 Christ Orchard Gift Certificate
July 19th Jack T. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Anthony R. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition Entry Forms Available
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced that entry forms are available for the 15th annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award. The competition is open to Illinois residents age 18 and over. Entries must be postmarked by June 30. Cash prizes will be awarded for first ($500), second ($300) and third place ($100). Winning poems will be submitted for possible publication in the “Ninth Letter,” “Quiddity International Literary Journal and Public Radio Program,” and “RHINO Poetry” journals.
Entry forms.
Did you know that reading aloud is the single most important thing you can do to help children achieve academic success?
Early exposure to reading aloud has such a long-term influence on children’s outcomes that pediatricians in the United States are now required to “prescribe” reading to parents of all babies from birth! Reading aloud is in itself extremely beneficial for kids of all ages, but research shows that there are things you can do at home to support early literacy even more as you read. Here are some practical, evidence-based tips for supporting literacy from infancy through school age.
Babies & Toddlers
Include “high contrast” books in the first year. Babies’ developing brains are tasked with processing a lot of information! Since their vision is still developing, baby books with high-contrast art capture their attention most effectively. Gazing at these images allows babies’ brains to rest and helps prevent overstimulation.
Be prepared for unconventional storytimes. It’s normal for babies’ and toddlers’ attention to wander during stories. It’s okay if your toddler is active while you are reading! It’s also fine to skip pages, paraphrase or stop reading a book before you’ve finished.
Choose primarily board books. Board Books are wonderful for babies and toddlers because they withstand mouthing, which is one of the primary ways babies explore their world! The dyes in our books are vegetable-based and non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry when your little one “reads” with their mouth! Board books are also great for tummy time, which is important for building core muscle strength. You can prop them up, which gives babies a focal point.
Make reading times interactive. Books that encourage interaction are fantastic for babies and toddlers. Some interactive books ask children to seek, count or name objects. Other books ask questions for children to answer. And some books ask children to make predictions, or even play peek-a-boo! To make any book more interactive and to keep your toddler’s attention, try using a puppet as you read.
Keep a selection of books within their reach. Allow toddlers to pick their own books when possible by keeping their books stored on shelves or in bins where they can reach them.
Preschoolers
Create regular daily reading times. The #1 thing you can do to foster literacy skills in preschool age children is establish regular home reading routines. Your typical reading time could be at bedtime, at dinner or even in the bath. Of course, you can read at other times too. Establishing a routine ensures that you will make time for reading every day.
Point as you read. Point to pictures of characters and objects as you read about them in the text. This is such a simple thing to do, but it has a big impact. Showing your child the illustrations that correspond to your spoken words helps them make meaning of language and learn new concepts.
Seek out singalong books. Singalongs foster listening skills and help children learn to follow directions, which are both so important for kindergarten readiness. The catchy lyrics and music in our singalongs capture children’s attention and keep them interested for longer than they might be otherwise. Plus, moving along to singalongs helps develop gross motor skills!
Rhyme and repeat! Choose rhyming books and books with repeated text. These types of books give children the chance to “read” along with you! Pause when reading a rhyming story and allow children to complete the rhyme (“There was a mouse who lived in a . . . ”). When reading a book with repeated text, stop to let your child fill in the blanks. Reading along with you gives children confidence as “readers” and helps them build the connection between spoken language and printed words.
Ask open-ended questions when reading. The best kind of questions require children to think about why something happened or predict what might happen next. (“Why do you think the girl is sad?” “What do you think will happen next?”) As a guide, ask questions that start with “what,” “how,” “why” and “when.”
Let them choose! Research shows that literacy outcomes improve if you keep a wide variety of books on hand in your home library and to allow children to choose what they read.
School Age Children
Keep reading aloud, even after they know how to read independently! A child’s reading level doesn’t catch up to their listening level until about age 14. Reading more complex books aloud to older children improves their vocabulary and reading comprehension!
According to research, when children begin to read independently (usually between the ages of 6 and 9), their parents often stop reading aloud to them. Yet, 83% of children between the ages of 6 and 17 said they “loved it” or “liked it a lot” when their parents read aloud to them at home. Their top reason? It's a special time with their parents.
Ask about new words. Pause after reading a new vocabulary word and ask your child what they think that word means. They might be able to guess correctly, based on the context. If they don’t get it right, provide the definition.
Enjoy story collections together. Story anthologies are perfect for reading aloud to your young reader. When you read aloud, you can expose your child to more sophisticated vocabulary and plot lines than they might encounter in books at their own reading level. Read-alouds also naturally lead to discussions about the book, during which time you can check on your child’s comprehension of the story. Many of our story anthologies include an audio version of the story as well.
Opt for high quality chapter books. As parents and educators it is a real challenge to find high-quality chapter books for growing readers. Our chapter books incorporate full-color illustrations throughout. These illustrations provide reading support in the form of context clues, which allows our authors to incorporate more complex vocabulary and concepts.
Illinois Courts recently launched a new product to help connect people to the information they need to represent themselves in a court case. Illinois Court Help is a free service that library staff can recommend to patrons.
Staff and patrons can also access this Illinois Court Help Digital Toolkit for informational materials in English and Spanish. The toolkit contains ready-to-print flyers and posters and a business card librarians can share with patrons, as well as other materials such as social media content.
MacKids School & Library
One of our most anticipated picture books of this year is Dear Librarian by Lydia M. Sigwarth; illustrated by Romina Galotta. Inspired by a This American Life episode about the power of libraries, this is the ultimate love-letter to librarians everywhere. We're celebrating Lydia's story and librarians everywhere this week by kicking off a monthlong contest where YOU can nominate your favorite librarian for a chance to win a $1,000 AmEx gift card, plus a collection of books. Nominate here!
Natalie Portman, Academy Award-winning actress and New York Times-bestselling author of Natalie Portman's Fables has been named honorary chair of National Library Week! Check out this piece to learn more about her lifelong love of libraries!
Poetry Writing Tips from Amanda Gorman
https://storage.googleapis.com/classroom-portal-production/uploads/2021/03/853d18cf-amanda-gorman_poetrytips.pdf?ref=PRH29DE00BF5E64&linkid=PRH29DE00BF5E64&cdi=23CF0FA8BA8D2BF3E0534FD66B0A902E&template_id=20577&aid=randohouseinc36206-20
Our WiFi is accessible from the street in front of the library and does not have a password at this time, so anyone who needs a connection may use it.
We have added many new links for children as they are out of school and adults under the Information tab (under more at the top of the page). There are many companies who are offering free services during the pandemic and that information is on that page or the eBook page where we have added information about eBook resources that you don't need to have a library card to access as well as new links for many great resources! To access our online resources, please see the tabs at the bottom of this page. To find information about the eBook resources our library offers click on the RSA Catalog tab. There is an explantation for each of the online resources at the bottom of this page above the tabs.
As this is an ever changing event, we will continue to monitor the directives provided by federal, state and local governments to ensure the library’s response is proactive and prioritizes public health while balancing the need for public services. Please continue to check the web site for updates. Thank you in advance for understanding as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and we encourage out patrons to take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 also. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during these unprecedented times.
If you have any questions, please feel to call the library at 309-742-2431 or email us at elmwoodlib@gmail.com.
What you can do to help:
Your help is greatly appreciated to help minimize the spread of disease. Here are some simple steps you can take to help.
My Library Is...
NICK OFFERMAN EXPLAINS WHY LIBRARIES ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER
In a new promotional video from the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS), actor Nick Offerman stars as the Wizard of the World Wide Web, convening an emergency meeting of the elders of the internet.
In the video, avatars representing pop-up ads, social media and other fixtures of online life have assembled at a secret internet headquarters to discuss a grave matter: humans have realized that libraries are even more powerful than the web.
Offerman explains: Libraries have real people. They get to know you and offer reading recommendations more personalized than any algorithm. They can even tell the difference between real and fake news. He continues,“Libraries have all the information that anyone could ever need, plus real spaces, fun educational programs, meet-up groups…you can even get a flu shot at the library.
http://www.ilovelibraries.org/article/nick-offerman-explains-why-libraries-are-more-important-ever?twitter
More information can be found on My Library Is ... for Library Lovers page at https://www.mylibraryis.org/librarylovers. While there, you can take the Library Lovers Quiz!
Reminder
Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult or responsible caregiver at all times while visiting the library. At this time we are not allowing children to visit without their parent(s).
The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library supports the right of all library users to access information and will not deny access to electronic information networks based solely on age. Children under the age of 10 may use the computers when a parent is present. Those over 10 must have a signed Computer Use Policy on file to be able to use the computers
Drivers, it's time for "Winter Weather – Get it Together"
Snow-and-ice safety campaign introducing public to "Orange Crush” and “Scoopy Do"
SPRINGFIELD – With the first snowflakes of the season falling in recent days, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and Illinois Tollway are reminding the driving public that now is the ideal time for “Winter Weather – Get it Together.”
“At IDOT, we spend the entire year getting ready for snow-and-ice season. Our top priority is making sure our roads are safe for the motoring public, but we do ask the motoring public to do its part as well and get prepared,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Make sure your vehicle is in a safe, operating condition. Winter weather can change quickly so be prepared to reduce speeds and increase driving distances at all times. And please share the roads with our snow-and-ice teams – don’t crowd the plow.”
Throughout the coming months of cold weather and adverse conditions, motorists should practice basic winter driving skills and build extra time into their schedules. As part of the “Winter Weather – Get it Together” campaign, travelers are encouraged to follow these simple guidelines:
• Bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com to check travel conditions 24/7. This year’s winter road conditions map will feature more local, more precise reporting information.
• Wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois. And it’s your best defense in a crash.
• Drop it and drive. Put down the mobile devices – it, too, is the law.
• Do not travel during bad weather unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to drive, check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your route. Familiarize yourself with public transportation options.
• Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking are required throughout the winter.
• Don’t crowd the plow. A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see
them, but they may not see you. Any plow that’s hit is one less resource available to clear the roads.
• Watch out for black ice. A road may appear clear but can be treacherous.
• Be especially careful when approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and shaded areas. All are prone to icing.
• Prepare an emergency kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable
food and a first-aid kit.
• Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of emergency.
• Give them distance. Obey the Move Over Law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching ANY stopped vehicle with flashing lights.
“Winter weather causes additional dangers to the men and women of the Illinois State Police on patrol to protect and serve all motorists,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “In snowy and icy conditions, please refrain from driving unless it is essential. If you must get on the road, remember to adjust your driving to the weather and road conditions. Winter road conditions are unpredictable and a crash could happen at any moment. The fewer drivers on the road, the fewer crashes and the safer everyone will be.
“If you approach an emergency vehicle with its lights activated or a disabled vehicle with flashing lights, please slow down and move over. Our goal is to ensure everyone makes it home safely.”
For the upcoming winter, IDOT will have almost 1,800 trucks available for deployment to plow nearly 16,000 miles of roads statewide, the equivalent of driving from New York to Los Angeles and back almost three times. Last year, IDOT spread more than 522,000 tons of salt statewide. This winter, salt domes throughout the state are close to capacity, with more than 445,000 tons on hand, almost twice the weight of the Willis Tower.
Two plows making their debut in the IDOT fleet this winter are Orange Crush and Scoopy Do – the winning entries from the inaugural “Name the Snowplow” contest held at the Illinois State Fair. The names were among 700 entries submitted by visitors to the IDOT tent, with the finalists chosen through a statewide employee contest. The plows will be used primarily in IDOT’s District 6, which encompasses Adams, Brown, Cass, Christian, Hancock, Logan, Macoupin, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler and Scott counties.
The Illinois Tollway mobilizes a fleet of 196 snowplows during winter storms and this year has stockpiled 88,000 tons of salt to keep its 294-mile system of five roadways clear and safe for its 1.6 million daily drivers. Information on tollway road conditions is available at www.illinoistollway.com.
“Our highest priority is safety and to protect our customers this winter we will rapidly deploy full crews during severe weather to keep our roads clear and our drivers safe,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez. “But we can’t do it alone. We are asking our customers to help us by slowing down and increasing the distance from other vehicles, particularly plows and other emergency vehicles so they have the room they need to safely do their work. Drivers whose cars become disabled should stay with their vehicles and dial *999 for assistance, rather than trying to go for help themselves.”
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today the continuation of the phased restoration of in-person workforce and limited unemployment services at American Job Centers on an appointment-only basis at additional offices throughout the state. Beginning Tuesday, September 7, in-person appointments will be available at the following locations as part of another step in the phased return to in-person services:
- Peoria | 406 Elm Street
To schedule an appointment at any of these locations, individuals should call via the IDES Scheduling Hotline at 217.558.0401 and request a callback. Appointments must be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the appointment time. An appointment may be scheduled for one of the following reasons:
- Identity verification for an unemployment insurance claim
- Assistance registering with IllinoisJobLink.com
- Assistance documenting work search activities
- Employment services, including resume and job search guidance
- Request to use the Resource Room to use computers with internet and other resources
Masks or face coverings are required when entering an office. If a visitor has been experiencing any symptoms or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 within 14 days prior to their appointment, they will be required to reschedule the appointment.
IDES will continue to reopen additional offices on a phased basis and will announce the availability of phone appointments to further assist claimants.
Claimants are strongly encouraged to use the IDES website to apply and certify for benefits, enroll in direct deposit, change passwords, engage in work search, and connect with an employment services professional, among other services. Claimants can also continue to speak with an IDES expert over the phone, by requesting a callback at 800.244.5631. As a reminder, if a callback is received at an inconvenient time, claimants may reschedule the callback for a specific time with a call center agent.
In December 2021, Alexa S. won a $5 Uptown Cafe gift certificate as she had the closest guess with 287 candy canes in the container. There were 283 candy canes in the container. There were 64 guesses.
In November 2021, Danelle R. won a $5 Cerno’s gift certificate as she had the closest guess with 1327 cotton swabs in the container. There were 1484 cotton swabs in the container. There were 40 guesses.
In October 2021, Sarah M. won a $5 Uptown Café gift certificate as she had the closest guess with 1273 candy corn in the container. There were 1324 candy corns in the container. There were 49 guesses.
In September 2021, Alexa S. won $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks as she had the closest guess with 297 dominos in the container. There were 255 dominos in the container. There were 43 guesses.
In August 2021, Courtni S. won a $5 Simple Things gift certificate as she had the closest guess with 221 markers in the container. There were 219 markers in the container. There were 47 guesses.
We started the Guess How Many Game again in July 2021. Maddix C. won a $5 Jordan’s gift certificate as he had the closest guess with 1324 glass pebbles in the container. There were 1487 glass pebbles in the container. There were 57 guesses.
Weekly Prize for Checking Out Contest
We have a contest where we are randomly drawing two winners each week who checked out a book, DVD or magazine the week before to win a gift certificate. Please stop by to see us & if you check out an item you will be entered to win.
December 27th Luke S. $5 Uptown Cafe Gift Certificate
Stacy C. $5 Uptown Cafe Gift Certificate
December 20th Remington L. $5 Uptown Cafe Gift Certificate
Marilyn G. $5 Uptown Cafe Gift Certificate
December 13th Sarah M. $5 Uptown Cafe Gift Certificate
Jane M. $5 Uptown Cafe Gift Certificate
December 6th Mason W. $5 Uptown Café Gift Certificate
Sara W. $5 Cerno’s Gift Certificate
November 29th Holly H. $5 Cerno’s Gift Certificate
Robin D. $5 Cerno’s Gift Certificate
November 22nd Kerrilyn J. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Mike S. $5 Cerno’s Gift Certificate
November 15th Ruth C. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Carolyn B. $5 Uptown Café Gift Certificate
November 8th Hannah S. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Deanna B, $5 Uptown Café Gift Certificate
November 1st Harrison M. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Anne S. $5 Uptown Café Gift Certificate
October 25th Lexi N. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Samantha M. $5 Uptown Café Gift Certificate
October 18th Sophia R. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Lisa R. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
October 11th Della S. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Mandy S. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
October 4th Cynthia B. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Dixie M. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
September 27th Jade C. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Carolyn S. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
September 20th Esther S. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Amy H. $5 Christ Orchard Gift Certificate
September 13th Caleb N. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Michele E. $5 Christ Orchard Gift Certificate
September 6th Brooks C. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Jessica H. $5 Simple Things Gift Certificate
August 30th Maddox B. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Donna P. $5 Simple Things Gift Certificate
August 23rd Sheridan R. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Joyce M. $5 Simple Things Gift Certificate
August 16th Melody G. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Courtni S. $5 Simple Things Gift Certificate
August 9th Nora S. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Sara M. $5 Simple Thigs Gift Certificate
August 2nd Brody W. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Val B. $5 Simple Things Gift Certificate
July 26th Kiera W. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
William M. $5 Christ Orchard Gift Certificate
July 19th Jack T. $5 Palace Theatre Movie Bucks
Anthony R. $5 Jordan’s Gift Certificate
Annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition Entry Forms Available
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced that entry forms are available for the 15th annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award. The competition is open to Illinois residents age 18 and over. Entries must be postmarked by June 30. Cash prizes will be awarded for first ($500), second ($300) and third place ($100). Winning poems will be submitted for possible publication in the “Ninth Letter,” “Quiddity International Literary Journal and Public Radio Program,” and “RHINO Poetry” journals.
Entry forms.
Did you know that reading aloud is the single most important thing you can do to help children achieve academic success?
Early exposure to reading aloud has such a long-term influence on children’s outcomes that pediatricians in the United States are now required to “prescribe” reading to parents of all babies from birth! Reading aloud is in itself extremely beneficial for kids of all ages, but research shows that there are things you can do at home to support early literacy even more as you read. Here are some practical, evidence-based tips for supporting literacy from infancy through school age.
Babies & Toddlers
Include “high contrast” books in the first year. Babies’ developing brains are tasked with processing a lot of information! Since their vision is still developing, baby books with high-contrast art capture their attention most effectively. Gazing at these images allows babies’ brains to rest and helps prevent overstimulation.
Be prepared for unconventional storytimes. It’s normal for babies’ and toddlers’ attention to wander during stories. It’s okay if your toddler is active while you are reading! It’s also fine to skip pages, paraphrase or stop reading a book before you’ve finished.
Choose primarily board books. Board Books are wonderful for babies and toddlers because they withstand mouthing, which is one of the primary ways babies explore their world! The dyes in our books are vegetable-based and non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry when your little one “reads” with their mouth! Board books are also great for tummy time, which is important for building core muscle strength. You can prop them up, which gives babies a focal point.
Make reading times interactive. Books that encourage interaction are fantastic for babies and toddlers. Some interactive books ask children to seek, count or name objects. Other books ask questions for children to answer. And some books ask children to make predictions, or even play peek-a-boo! To make any book more interactive and to keep your toddler’s attention, try using a puppet as you read.
Keep a selection of books within their reach. Allow toddlers to pick their own books when possible by keeping their books stored on shelves or in bins where they can reach them.
Preschoolers
Create regular daily reading times. The #1 thing you can do to foster literacy skills in preschool age children is establish regular home reading routines. Your typical reading time could be at bedtime, at dinner or even in the bath. Of course, you can read at other times too. Establishing a routine ensures that you will make time for reading every day.
Point as you read. Point to pictures of characters and objects as you read about them in the text. This is such a simple thing to do, but it has a big impact. Showing your child the illustrations that correspond to your spoken words helps them make meaning of language and learn new concepts.
Seek out singalong books. Singalongs foster listening skills and help children learn to follow directions, which are both so important for kindergarten readiness. The catchy lyrics and music in our singalongs capture children’s attention and keep them interested for longer than they might be otherwise. Plus, moving along to singalongs helps develop gross motor skills!
Rhyme and repeat! Choose rhyming books and books with repeated text. These types of books give children the chance to “read” along with you! Pause when reading a rhyming story and allow children to complete the rhyme (“There was a mouse who lived in a . . . ”). When reading a book with repeated text, stop to let your child fill in the blanks. Reading along with you gives children confidence as “readers” and helps them build the connection between spoken language and printed words.
Ask open-ended questions when reading. The best kind of questions require children to think about why something happened or predict what might happen next. (“Why do you think the girl is sad?” “What do you think will happen next?”) As a guide, ask questions that start with “what,” “how,” “why” and “when.”
Let them choose! Research shows that literacy outcomes improve if you keep a wide variety of books on hand in your home library and to allow children to choose what they read.
School Age Children
Keep reading aloud, even after they know how to read independently! A child’s reading level doesn’t catch up to their listening level until about age 14. Reading more complex books aloud to older children improves their vocabulary and reading comprehension!
According to research, when children begin to read independently (usually between the ages of 6 and 9), their parents often stop reading aloud to them. Yet, 83% of children between the ages of 6 and 17 said they “loved it” or “liked it a lot” when their parents read aloud to them at home. Their top reason? It's a special time with their parents.
Ask about new words. Pause after reading a new vocabulary word and ask your child what they think that word means. They might be able to guess correctly, based on the context. If they don’t get it right, provide the definition.
Enjoy story collections together. Story anthologies are perfect for reading aloud to your young reader. When you read aloud, you can expose your child to more sophisticated vocabulary and plot lines than they might encounter in books at their own reading level. Read-alouds also naturally lead to discussions about the book, during which time you can check on your child’s comprehension of the story. Many of our story anthologies include an audio version of the story as well.
Opt for high quality chapter books. As parents and educators it is a real challenge to find high-quality chapter books for growing readers. Our chapter books incorporate full-color illustrations throughout. These illustrations provide reading support in the form of context clues, which allows our authors to incorporate more complex vocabulary and concepts.
Illinois Courts recently launched a new product to help connect people to the information they need to represent themselves in a court case. Illinois Court Help is a free service that library staff can recommend to patrons.
Staff and patrons can also access this Illinois Court Help Digital Toolkit for informational materials in English and Spanish. The toolkit contains ready-to-print flyers and posters and a business card librarians can share with patrons, as well as other materials such as social media content.
MacKids School & Library
One of our most anticipated picture books of this year is Dear Librarian by Lydia M. Sigwarth; illustrated by Romina Galotta. Inspired by a This American Life episode about the power of libraries, this is the ultimate love-letter to librarians everywhere. We're celebrating Lydia's story and librarians everywhere this week by kicking off a monthlong contest where YOU can nominate your favorite librarian for a chance to win a $1,000 AmEx gift card, plus a collection of books. Nominate here!
Natalie Portman, Academy Award-winning actress and New York Times-bestselling author of Natalie Portman's Fables has been named honorary chair of National Library Week! Check out this piece to learn more about her lifelong love of libraries!
Poetry Writing Tips from Amanda Gorman
https://storage.googleapis.com/classroom-portal-production/uploads/2021/03/853d18cf-amanda-gorman_poetrytips.pdf?ref=PRH29DE00BF5E64&linkid=PRH29DE00BF5E64&cdi=23CF0FA8BA8D2BF3E0534FD66B0A902E&template_id=20577&aid=randohouseinc36206-20
Our WiFi is accessible from the street in front of the library and does not have a password at this time, so anyone who needs a connection may use it.
We have added many new links for children as they are out of school and adults under the Information tab (under more at the top of the page). There are many companies who are offering free services during the pandemic and that information is on that page or the eBook page where we have added information about eBook resources that you don't need to have a library card to access as well as new links for many great resources! To access our online resources, please see the tabs at the bottom of this page. To find information about the eBook resources our library offers click on the RSA Catalog tab. There is an explantation for each of the online resources at the bottom of this page above the tabs.
As this is an ever changing event, we will continue to monitor the directives provided by federal, state and local governments to ensure the library’s response is proactive and prioritizes public health while balancing the need for public services. Please continue to check the web site for updates. Thank you in advance for understanding as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and we encourage out patrons to take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 also. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during these unprecedented times.
If you have any questions, please feel to call the library at 309-742-2431 or email us at elmwoodlib@gmail.com.
What you can do to help:
Your help is greatly appreciated to help minimize the spread of disease. Here are some simple steps you can take to help.
- Wear a face covering your nose and mouth.
- Practice social distancing.
- Wash hands frequently using the World Health Organzation (WHO) video on hand washing. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PmVJQUCm4E
- Practice good hygiene by regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and avoid touching your face.
- Cover your coughs or sneezes.
- Stay home if you are sick or have sick family members at home.
My Library Is...
NICK OFFERMAN EXPLAINS WHY LIBRARIES ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER
In a new promotional video from the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS), actor Nick Offerman stars as the Wizard of the World Wide Web, convening an emergency meeting of the elders of the internet.
In the video, avatars representing pop-up ads, social media and other fixtures of online life have assembled at a secret internet headquarters to discuss a grave matter: humans have realized that libraries are even more powerful than the web.
Offerman explains: Libraries have real people. They get to know you and offer reading recommendations more personalized than any algorithm. They can even tell the difference between real and fake news. He continues,“Libraries have all the information that anyone could ever need, plus real spaces, fun educational programs, meet-up groups…you can even get a flu shot at the library.
http://www.ilovelibraries.org/article/nick-offerman-explains-why-libraries-are-more-important-ever?twitter
More information can be found on My Library Is ... for Library Lovers page at https://www.mylibraryis.org/librarylovers. While there, you can take the Library Lovers Quiz!
Reminder
Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult or responsible caregiver at all times while visiting the library. At this time we are not allowing children to visit without their parent(s).
The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library supports the right of all library users to access information and will not deny access to electronic information networks based solely on age. Children under the age of 10 may use the computers when a parent is present. Those over 10 must have a signed Computer Use Policy on file to be able to use the computers